Easter egg game device &amp; method of play

ABSTRACT

The invention herein is directed to an Easter related game and method of play. The invention is intended to be played during Easter celebration, preferably by re-using found Easter Eggs or alternatively with any rollable oval, oblong, or ovoid object. The game of this invention comprising the following tools or game pieces: a rolling ramp and a plurality of oval, oblong, or ovoid objects, preferably Easter eggs. The game may be played by one or more participant or groups of participants.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application is a nonprovisional application claiming prioritybenefit to U.S. provisional patent application No. 625462241, which isincorporated by reference in its entirety herein, and wherein thisapplication claims priority to the patent filing date, Aug. 16. 2017.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark office,patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rightswhatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present matter relates to an Easter related game device and methodof play, in particular involving a rolling ramp and rollable objects.

BACKGROUND

Among North American and many Western European cultures, the Christianreligious holiday of Easter is often celebrated with family friendlyprojects and games. The most well-known tradition for Easter celebrationin North America is the Easter Egg hunt. This tradition entails severalphases of social gathering for preparation of the game and game playingin days leading up to Easter morning. The initial phase is dedicated tofamily gathering in preparation for Easter day celebrations where adultsand children enjoy the tradition of coloring hard boiled eggs, otherwiseknown as Easter eggs. Hard boiled eggs with their shells still on arebrilliantly decorated with colorful dyes and patterns. These decoratedeggs are secretly hidden with candy or money in open areas on Eastermorning, telling the mythical story of gifts left by the Easter Rabbit.The third stage of these celebrations involve a competition among groupsof young children to find the most amount of candy, money and Eastereggs hidden on Easter morning. Finally, the children are able tocollectively enjoy and count their win of found candy, money and eggs.The Easter egg hunt is likely the highlight excitement of the season formost children and shared among their families. While a great amount oftime is spent in preparation for the morning hunt, the actual huntitself is short lived, usually lasting under an hour. After which, thefound eggs are often disposed of and rarely eaten due to spoilage inunrefrigerated conditions. The game being so short lived, and yet withso much effort and people involved in its preparation and play leaves avery anti-climatic end to such a largely anticipated celebration. Bycurrent tradition and for practical reasons, it is nearly impossible torepeat the Easter Egg hunt after the game is over since part of the gameinvolves a secret hiding of Eggs and candy away from children tomaintain the myth of the Easter Rabbit story. Preparation of the gameinvolves a large amount of material which either are taken or disturbedfrom its location and would have to be replaced for the game to bereplayed properly. To this day, no other game has been introducedrelating to these ongoing traditions that otherwise allow community andfamily to continue their celebrations around the Easter egg hunt withextended use of the decorated eggs.

There are games that involve rollable objects thrown or rolled onto flatsurfaces by competing players. Nearly all such games have been in thepublic domain for extensive time such as bocce ball, bowling andbilliard. Recent prior art discloses improvements without actual changeto the manner of playing these games. Neither are there more recentgames that involve the throwing and or rolling of round objects on aflat surface. In most these cases, the prior art solely offersaccessories that aid the player in their ability to play the existinggames. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,159,401A, 4,368 898A; U.S. PatentApplication No. 20050148411; Korean Patent No. KR101342861B1.

While the various existing and well known games that involve throwingand rolling rollable objects on a ground surface are familiar to mostindividuals, they are each distinguishable and uniquely original fromeach other. For example, the game of bocce ball requires steps ofpropelling a small hard and heavy ball by hand throw onto a groundsurface, where two groups of players compete as teams and where scoringof performance is based on measured proximity to a neutral ball ratherthan by displacement of seated balls. In contrast, the game of billiardinvolves competition between individual players where each playerattempts to strike another player's ball into table pockets with the endof a stick, avoiding contact with a neutral ball. Scoring by this gameis based on tally of the most achieved pocketed balls belonging to theopponent. The game of billiard is played in nearly opposite fashion tothe game of bocce ball. In further contrast, bowling is a game that maybe played between individuals or teams of players, requiring a singlelarge ball thrown onto the ground surface and rolled towards a set ofpins wherein scoring is by tally of total pins dropped by each thrownball.

There currently does not exist a game involving rolling of an oblong,oval or ovoid shaped object onto a ground surface and played betweenindividual players during Easter celebration. There remains a need forgames that involve reuse of found decorated Easter eggs from an Easteregg hunt that may be played by any individual present and easilyrepeatable without much preparation.

Note that all patents and applications referred herein are incorporatedby reference in their entirety. Furthermore, where a definition or useof a term in a reference, which is incorporated by reference herein isinconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein,the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definitionof that term in the reference does not apply.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

This invention introduces an Easter game that takes place uponconclusion of the Easter Egg hunt and would extend the Easter Egg gameplaying celebration indefinitely throughout the holiday season.

It is an object of this invention to provide a game that extends thebonding experience of family gatherings and game playing during Easterseason by incorporating objects uniquely found during Eastercelebrations into this invention. In particular, the game herein extendsgame playing of oblong, oval or ovoid shaped objects found during Eastercelebration.

It is an object of this invention to provide a game that extends the useand play of traditional Easter eggs and its reuse during Eastercelebrations.

It is an object of this invention to provide a game that allows two ormore individual players to compete individually and directly againstanother without need for grouped teams.

It is an object of this invention to provide a game that allows two ormore individual players to compete individually and directly againstanother in simple predesignated order.

It is an object of this invention to provide a one on one contact gamefor two or more concurrent players where the winner is determined by theindividual with the most captured objects upon the end of a final round.

It is an object of this invention to provide a one on one contact gamefor two or more individual players wherein the game is played in roundswith the aim of eliminating players each round until only one player isleft and with the greatest accumulated score at the end of a finalround.

It is an object of this invention to provide tools or game piecesspecifically designed to achieve the method of play for this invention.

Other features, advantages, and object of the present invention willbecome more apparent and be more readily understood from the followingdetailed description, which should be read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of the game kit and game as played byat least 2 players according to a preferred embodiment of thisinvention.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the ramp in use position accordingto a preferred embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of the ramp in use position accordingto a preferred embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 4 provides an exploded view of a portion of the device according toa preferred embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view according to a preferred embodimentof this invention.

FIG. 6 provides an exploded view of a portion of the device according toa preferred embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of the invention in partiallycollapsed position according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of the invention in partiallycollapsed position according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of the invention in collapsedposition according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 10 provides a perspective view of the invention according to apreferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailedfigures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to theFigures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatthe detailed description given herein with respect to these figures isfor explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled inthe art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention,recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, dependingupon the needs of the particular application, to implement thefunctionality of any given detail described herein, beyond theparticular implementation choices in the following embodiments describedand shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations ofthe invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit withinthe scope of the invention. Also, singular words should he read asplural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, whereappropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply thatthe two are mutually exclusive.

The present invention will now he described in detail with reference toembodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein.It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may beembodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed hereinare not to he interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for theclaims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the artto employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailedsystem, structure or manner.

It is to be understood that any exact measurements, dimensions orparticular construction materials indicated herein are solely providedas examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to belimiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particularapplication, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in lightof the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternativeimplementation details.

The invention herein is directed to an Easter related game and method ofplay. See FIG. 1. The invention is intended to be played during Eastercelebration, preferably by re-using found Easter Eggs or alternativelywith any rollable oval, oblong, or ovoid object. See FIG. 1. The game ofthis invention comprising the following tools or game pieces: a rollingramp 101 and a plurality of oval, oblong, or ovoid objects, preferablyEaster eggs 102. The game may be played by one or more individualparticipant or groups of individual participants.

The ramp comprising a linear portion 201 with a first 202 and second 203terminal end and inwardly angular sides 204 forming a V or U shapedcross section. The ramp is positioned over the ground surface in adecline position by less than (and no greater than) 60 degree angle fromthe ground surface (preferably between 30 to 45 angular degree above theground surface). The lower angular position allows for a smoothtransition of the rollable object onto the ground surface upon exit toavoid bounce or damage effect. According to a preferred embodiment ofthis invention, the ramp comprises a V-shaped cross section to enable anoblong or ovoid shaped game piece (preferably an egg) to be seated onthe edge portion of the linear path in raised or semi-suspended manner.This is an important aspect of the game because an ovoid shaped object,particularly a fragile object like an egg, is uneven at its either endsand would wobble. The V-shape cross section of the ramp takes advantageof the inherently even horizontal central point at either ends of theegg such that the side walls would touch only the central ends of theegg (but not the central body of the egg) and would allow the egg toroll along its central horizontal axis. As such, the egg achieves asmooth wobble-free roll down the ramp without contacting the centralportion 205 of the ramp. The ground surface should further provide asoft landing such as grass, turf, carpet, or sand to minimize crackingof the egg shell upon contact. The angular cross-section of the ramptherefore must be wide enough for its side walls at their furthestposition to be contactable with either ends of the rollable object. Thecross-sectional shape of the ramp must further be deep enough such thatthe central portions of the ramp wall avoids contact with the centralportion of the rollable object to avoid potential wobble effect (if theobject is of an unequal shape) or damage otherwise to the central bodyof the object. While a V-shaped cross-section would achieve this desiredfeature, other cross-sectional shapes that achieve this effect arecontemplated within this invention as well. Alternative cross-sectionalshapes may include but not be limited to, C-shape, U-shaped, L-shape orpear shape such that a synthetic and durable rollable object (other thana real egg) may be rolled along its horizontal axis without contract ordamage to its central body.

The ramp is positioned above the ground surface at an angle between itsfirst 202 and second 203 terminal ends. See FIGS. 2 and 3. The first 202and second 203 terminal ends having no obstruction thereon ortherethrough. The first terminal end 202 being in contact with theground surface while the second terminal end 203 is above groundproximate to the player. The ramp is stationed in this manner byassistance of a stand 206. The stand portion of the ramp may comprise apair of legs 206 centrally extending from the second terminal end 203.Alternatively, the stand may comprise a planar base extending from thefirst terminal end. Essentially, the stand serves the purpose of holdingthe ramp stably in place at the desired angular position above ground,without interfering with the linear path of the ramp, and allowing thefirst terminal end 202 to contact the ground surface in uninterruptedmanner. The stand 206 is preferably detachably connected 401 to the ramp201 such that the stand 206 and ramp components may be disconnected forstorage when game playing ends. Alternatively, the stand and rampportion may be swivelly connected 1001 (See FIG. 10) to each other suchthat the stand may swivelly extend outward into position for use andswivelly collapsed for storage (See FIG. 9). It is the overall desire ofthis invention for the ramp and the stand to be storable together inplanar manner within the smallest amount of space for ease of transport,storage, and sale distribution.

While the rollable object preferably comprises a real hard-boiled egg,it may alternatively be played with a synthetic object comprising anytype of smooth durable material that may easily roll against a hardsurface with minimal likelihood of deforming. The object 102 having apreferred oval, oblong, or ovoid shape much like an egg, and preferablywithin the size dimension of a chicken or duck egg which typically fallsbetween 1 to 5 inches long. The rollable object may comprise organic orinorganic durable hard material or material composites such as, but notlimited to, poultry egg, wood, plastic, stone, bamboo, glass, orcomposites thereof, etc.

The method of play for this game is as follows. At least two or moreindividuals or two or more groups of players directly competing againsteach other. The game may be played by individual-contest or bygroup-contest. In either case the same rules of play sequence andscoring will apply. A group of players may comprise two or moreindividual players forming a single team. Alternatively, if played byindividual contest, each single player would be a separate contestant.Two or more teams or two or more individual players (or combinationsthereof) may compete in a single round of game sequence. Equal numbersof players per competing team is not required to participate in any gamesequence. No minimum number of individual or group contestant isrequired either.

The game begins with choosing the order of participation. Eachindividual player among the competing teams or individual contestantswould first have one or more rollable object 102 in their possession. Anequal number of such rollable objects (also referable as “game piece”)is not required among each player for purposes of participation so longas the player has possession of at least one rollable object 102 toenable participation. An elected player of each team would roll a gamepiece wherein the order of participation for the overall game would bebased on the relative position of the rolled object 102 between saidelected player. This would set the sequence of roll between teams. Thesequence of participation may be based on proximity to the ramp whereinthe closest positioned game piece being first to participate and therest to follow in sequential order from closest to furthest distance.The sequence may be reversed from furthest to closest position. Thesequence of participation may alternatively depend on factors other thanpositioning of the game piece but as the players decide. In any case,the rules of determination would be predetermined by the players beforethe elected players of each team (or each individual player in anindividual-contest) takes a roll. Once the respective roll is made, theorder of participation would be determined accordingly. This same rulewould apply in determining the order of participation among individualswithin a team-group. Each player within said group of players of asingle team would have an individual turn to roll, representing theirteam. Each player within the team may have a chance to roll when thesequence of participation comes back around to that team's turn. Thisorder of participation of individuals within each group is subject toadditional game rules provided herein.

The scoring portion of the game begins after sequence of participationis determined. All participating players convene near a ramp 101 havingin their possession their respective game pieces. Preferably, the gamepieces comprise Easter eggs found from a prior Easter egg hunt. Eachplayer should have at least one game piece in their possession. Thefirst round of game playing involves every team or every individualplayer (if by individual-contest) having a single chance to roll theirgame piece. The first player or group according to the determinedsequence of participation begins the first roll of the first round. Uponcompletion of a full round of play, the second group or individualaccording to the determined sequence of participation begins the secondround. Each subsequent round begins with a different initial team orplayer, following the determined sequence of player order. The rampposition should never be disturbed while playing said game.

When rolling the game piece, the aim of each roll is to cause contactwith a game piece on the ground. If no contact is made with a game pieceon the ground, the rolled game piece is left in position. If contact isin fact made, the player responsible for causing said contact may removethe two contacting pieces from the ground surface. The player may earnanother chance to roll their game piece after each successful contactand collection of game pieces. Upon eventual failure to make contact,the next player or team in sequential order takes their respective turnto roll the game piece. The ultimate goal of this game is for all thegame pieces to be collected from the ground surface or alternatively forall but two players to be in possession of all participating gamepieces. At which point, the player or team with the most game pieces intheir possession wins the game. Those eggs remaining on the groundshould lie undisturbed until the winner is announced in case a tiebreaking round is necessary. If there should be a tie where more thanone player is in possession of the highest tally, additional rounds ofthe game will be played until the tie score is broken and a singleindividual tally score is identifiable as being the highest score of theset. The tie breaking round may be played between the tied players onlyor among all remaining players in possession of game pieces (i.e.rollable object) 102.

The game pieces 102 of this invention may be hand decorated oralternatively pre-manufactured with decoration, but decoration is notnecessary to participate in this game. Decorative art and tools may beprovided together with the game pieces forming a game kit.

The kit may minimally comprise one or more game piece (also referred toas rollable object) 102 and a portable ramp 101 and alternativelycontaining decorative art accessories. The ramp 101 device may bedesigned for reuse and storage comprising fiberous, plastic, metallicmaterial or combinations thereof of hard durable material. The devicemay further comprise thick durable paper material that is able tomaintain its structure against its own weight during use, minimalmoisture exposure and use by players. The device is preferablydetachable or collapsible for storage and or packaging purposes. Whenunfolded, the device is self-supporting on a stand or bracket system 206with the ramp portion 201 slanting downward towards the ground surfaceand with a rise from the ground surface of under 45 degree, butpreferably between 30-40 degrees. The stand or bracket portion 206holding up the ramp 201 may be hingely and swivelly attached to thesecond terminal end of said ramp 201 (above the ground surface) oralternatively, horizontally extending along the ground surface from thelower first terminal end of said ramp. The stand or bracket portion 206may further comprise two or more legs 206 extending from the secondterminal end 203 of the ramp portion towards the ground surface in theform of a stand. Each of said two legs being swivelly 1001 attached atsaid second terminal end 202 of said ramp at the external sides 204 ofsaid V-shaped ramp. Each said two legs 206 further providing a groove402 immediately below said swivel connection 1001 to said ramp side 204such that when each leg 206 swivels into position, each leg will crossover the other interlocking at their each respective groove 402. Whenthe game is completed, each leg 206 is swiveled out of their grooveinterconnection to be in parallel and flush position with the respectiveside 204 of said V-shaped ramp, resulting in a storable length ofV-shaped bar. The ramp may have a steep U shaped or V shaped crosssection with angled rising side walls. The top edges 208 of said sidewalls of said ramp is spaced apart from each other by a distance equalto or slightly less than the length of said egg or rollable object(between 1-3 inches wide) such that the egg or rollable object would besuspended on the top edges of said ramp, not touching the lower internalsurface of said ramp. The depth of the ramp should be between 1 to 3inches, sufficient to suspend the egg away from contacting the centralsurface of said ramp. The length of said ramp itself should preferablybe at least 3 foot long to achieve a 30-40 angle incline from the groundsurface from the ramp's first terminal end and for the second terminalend of said ramp to be positioned at a minimum 2 feet height above theground surface. The second terminal end of the ramp portion ispreferably 48 inches to 36 inches above the ground surface when placedin position for use.

FIG. 1 provides an exemplary view of said game being played by at least2 or more individual players. Said ramp 101 according to this embodimentis approximately 48 to 36 inches above the ground surface at its secondterminal end, and less than 45 degrees from the ground surface at itsfirst terminal end 202. Said ramp 101 according to this preferredembodiment further having angularly declining sides with a V-shapedcross section equal to or slightly less than the length of an egg,preferably a chicken egg. Said ramp of this invention being held inupright position above the ground surface by two bracket legs (otherwisereferable to as stand extensions) 206 extending from the second terminalend of said ramp 201 to the ground surface. The egg or rollable objectcomponents 102 in this illustration comprising egg shaped game piecesthat may or may not be decorated on their each surface.

FIGS. 2 and 3 provides a side view of a preferred embodiment of saidramp portion 201, comprising said ramp feature 201 and a bracket leg 206feature in use position wherein said ramp extends outward at atangential angle of less than 45 degree from the ground surface from itsfirst terminal end 202. Said stand or bracket leg 206 componentcomprising a length less than the length of said ramp 201, propping thesecond terminal end 203 of said ramp up approximately 48-72 inches abovethe ground surface.

FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7 provides a side view of a preferred embodiment ofsaid ramp device wherein said leg bracket is hingely and swivellyconnected to the side surface of said ramp portion at its said secondterminal end 203. Each said leg 206 having a notch or groove 402immediately below said swivel hinge connection 1001. See FIG. 10. Eachsaid leg may swivel out of its interconnected position and flushly tothe respective side of its connection to said ramp portion, storable inthe form of a single uniform V or U-shaped ramp bar. See FIGS. 7, 8, and9.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective bottom side view of the top side of saidramp wherein each said leg of said bracket feature intersect andinterconnect at their said groove 402 to form a V-shaped bracketfeature.

FIG. 4 provides an exploded view of the leg element with groove feature.Said groove or notch feature comprising at least or slightly greaterthan half the width of said bracket piece. A preferred embodiment ofeach said bracket leg comprising a rectangular shape of at least ¼″thickness and may comprise any type of hard material, including but notlimited to organic material such as card board paper or wood, syntheticmaterial such as plastic, metal or any combinations thereof.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of said ramp with said two bracketlegs in use form wherein each said leg is attached to each said rampside wall hingely and swivelly. Each said leg rotated forward andintersecting with the other said leg at their each said groove sectionimmediately below their each said hinge connections. Said groovesections of each bracket leg being deep enough into the width of eachbracket leg (equal to or greater than half the width of each bracketleg) to enable a flush and stable interconnection. Each said groove ornotch 402 being equal to the thickness of each bracket leg to enable atight and secure interconnected fit.

Each said game kit preferably comprising a storable and collapsible rampcomponent and egg decoration elements such as egg paint, ink orstickers. Alternatively, each game kit comprising a storable collapsibleramp component and decorative rollable game pieces such as plasticEaster eggs or balls.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention,other equivalent the invention has been described by way of summary,detailed description and illustration. The specific embodimentsdisclosed in the above drawings are not intended to be limiting.Implementations of the present invention with various differentconfigurations are contemplated as within the scope of the presentinvention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications,equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of thefollowing claims.

I claim the following: 1) An Easter holiday related game playing kitcomprising one or more ovoid object and a linear ramp, each said one ormore ovoid object comprising solid organic or inorganic material or acombination thereof, each said one or more ovoid object being no lessthan 1 inch long and no greater than 5 inches long, said linear ramphaving two centrally declining side walls and an open central spaceforming a V-shaped cross section, said linear ramp having a first andsecond cross sectional end, said linear ramp having two parallel toplinear edges where said two declining side walls terminate, the widthbetween said two parallel top linear edges being no less than one inchand no greater than five inches, said linear ramp being no less than 12inches in length and no greater than 48 inches in length, said linearramp positionable at less than 45 degrees above the ground floor fromits second end by a stand element, said stand element being swivellyconnectable to said first or second end of said linear ramp such thatsaid stand element is rotatable around said linear ramp at said swivelconnection for a first optional position of use or a second optionalposition for storage. 2) An Easter holiday related game playing kit ofclaim 1 wherein said stand element being positionable in parallelposition with said linear ramp in its second optional position forstorage purposes. 3) An Easter holiday related game playing kit of claim1 wherein said stand element being detachably connectable to said linearramp. 4) A method of playing said Easter holiday related game playingkit of claim 1 comprising the following: a non-contacting rolling eventcomprising the positioning a linear ramp at less than a 45 degree angleabove the ground surface from its said second cross sectional end,positioning a game piece at the first cross sectional end of said linearramp, rolling said game piece downward along said linear ramp andexiting said second cross-sectional end of said linear ramp onto aground surface without contact with another game piece, resting saidnon-contacting game piece on the ground surface, a contacting-rollingevent comprising the positioning a linear ramp at less than a 45 degreeangle above the ground surface from its said second cross sectional end,positioning a subsequent game piece on said first cross-sectional end ofsaid linear ramp, rolling said subsequent game piece downward along saidlinear ramp and exiting said second cross-sectional end of said linearramp onto a ground surface in contact with another game piece,collecting said contacting subsequent game piece and another game piecefrom the ground surface to form a plurality of game pieces of anindividual collection. 5) Said method of playing said Easter holidayrelated game playing kit of claim 1 comprising one or morenon-contacting rolling events and one or more contacting rolling eventsof claim
 4. 6) Said method of playing said Easter holiday related gameplaying kit of claim 1 wherein one or more non-contacting rolling eventsand one or more contacting rolling events of claim 4 occur until no moreresting non-contacting game pieces remain on the ground surface.